Author: DigiConsult ltd

The construction environment is becoming more dynamic with technology add-ins, making this industry highly competitive. The Mechanical, Electrical and Piping systems (MEP) services have to keep in the beat with tech revolution, as this represents a big weight in a building project. 3D modelling in the MEP service can contribute to elevating the offerings and efficiency level along with more benefits to explore. The coordination between owners, architects and engineers can be more optimised in a common communication platform throughout the construction project.

About MEP in construction

MEP modelling creates mechanical, electrical and piping systems in a building model. MEP services in a building are one of the most important engineering services that are required for building projects. Before executing the construction projects, MEP services need to provide detailed layouts of different components. This where 3D modelling step in by generating effective live models that contain precise information and clarity about each an every component, including the materials and tools being involved and much more specifications.

What can 3D modelling offer to MEP services?

MEP Modeller can help building engineers and architects to create a more detailed building model with ductworks and other MEP systems modelled in 3D model, in order to achieve a better coordination between building engineers and architects.

• Improved coordination of services – through the production of a virtual model
• Early identification and rectification of coordination issues, resulting in the reduction of installation time and costs
• Reduces waste and man-hours by reducing on-site modifications/variations
• Supports the manufacturing and fabrication processes through the integration of manufacturing, estimating and scheduling technology
• Improves quality: With precise and accurate visuals, early detection of possible faults can enhance building services
• Increases productivity:  visualise component in 3D at the initial stage itself with changes to be instantly eliminating the need to revisit the design at a later stage
• Easy documentation:  The entire process of documenting component designs easy, as it comes preloaded with flexible documentation options
• Automatic redrawing of design:  Automatically redraws lines and dashes of the parts hidden from other parts of the design.
• Better visualisation for clients: components can be animated and the working can be observed. Visual graphics helps the customer understand the features and properties of the component better.
• Saving of data and drawings: The designs created can be saved for future reference with already some standard components for future designs creation
• Multiplicity in the MEP Modelling toolbox: Transitions, junctions and inline elements are easily connected to MEP components with each other.

Enhance coordination among building trades

Realising the benefits that prefabricated and off-site manufacturing brings to a construction project. An early coordination in the process helps MEP contractors and engineers to maximise efficiency, by deploying the fastest and safest path to integrated construction processes. The construction project can be fully coordinated with 3D MEP services models enabling the professional and construction team to validate, optimise and coordinate design information within a virtual environment.

Technology revolution is making construction suppliers abide by digital transformation and provide digital content for Building Information Modeling (BIM) models. Suppliers can provide digital support towards a co-designer and co-creator approach. With integration of construction information already during the design process, BIM can be achieved.

About Building Information Model

Building Information Modeling (BIM) involves access to a common platform containing digital planning of construction projects. All stakeholders involved in a construction project will have access to the data and therefore creating a connected working ecosystem among builders, suppliers, architects, engineers, and other stakeholders. The data platform offers a digital planning with details and adds in a greater collaboration between suppliers, designers and contractors. With collaboration, the workflow in the construction industry will be clearer, detailed, leading towards more efficiency.

BIM makes construction suppliers involved

BIM integrates information flows among multi-disciplinary teams and enhances project control.  An early involvement and discussions with project suppliers increases project performance as they become co-designers and co-creators in the whole project phase.The suppliers are not considered strategic by the contractors/consultants and are involved late in the project in the current traditional method giving rise to different clash at different point of time during the project.

Construction suppliers need to take the step forward in the technology era

Building materials suppliers will now need to make products compatible with the standards of leading BIM platform providers in their markets; digitise their catalogue (it does not have to include full detail at the start); develop new pricing models to enable cross-selling of materials and so of whole systems (selling should focus more on modularity including component compatibility); digitise their marketing for integration into BIM platforms.

Construction suppliers with BIM adaptabilities can be ahead of competitors

• Match players using BIM in the market – Suppliers using BIM technology will be able to match architects and engineers using BIM thus having an upper hand over those not using BIM. With the right product data in the appropriate format, the consideration for such suppliers will surely not be missed for projects. Construction suppliers with the traditional business model will surely be at threat in today’s technology evolution age.
• Lock product at an early stage – with the right product placement on BIM platforms, producers and suppliers can lock in product use into early design decisions. They will benefit over the long term because architects and engineers will reuse their preferred BIM-designed objects, such as a design for a facade.
• Availability of information for action taking– setting several options for the information management and visualisation within the BIM environment.
• Efficient material logistics – BIM embedded be details, material information can easily identify required products.  And if the contractor has already linked the BIM model to a schedule, it is even possible to provide the correct amount of material to the job site at the correct time. Logistics could even be extended beyond single items so that there are complete preassemblies (like façade elements, installation parts) sent to the job site.

With potential of gathering tremendous amount of data, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) offers the opportunity to enhance supply chain management through; improved security, faster shipping and better processes. IIoT connects the unconnected with machine-to-machine connections trapping data automatically.

The need for the logistics sector to tap in IIoT

 With globalisation and more global movement of goods, the logistics sector is getting more and more competitive. Cost reduction and efficiency can be the two competencies that can lift up a logistic company position ahead of its competitors.

Digital transformation in term of IIoT technology is the best-fitted solution adapted for this sector to achieve cost reduction and efficiency goals. With communication getting faster and closer, consumers and businesses have direct access to each other around the globe and getting the automatic data sharing is the key element that IIoT offers to this sector.

Traditionally data more precisely exact data without human interaction has been difficult, if not impossible to collect. Once the data was collected, it had to be sorted and analysed manually for it to make a real impact on the business bottom line.  It is where IIoT brings in the magic with it potential to make meaningful data sharing among stakeholders in the process.

The reaping benefits of IIoT by Logistic operators;

• Automatic data exchange can pinpoint underuse resources and make plans to optimise resources efficiently resulting in cost reduction.
• Machine to machine connections enables cutting-edge communication ships at sea, directing them to their docking position.
• Unloading and loading trucks can be directed to available parking with precise information, thus managing congestion and enhancing efficiency in the port.
• Alarm sensors powered with IIoT technology can be used to detect theft and improve the security of cargo in the port.
• Tracking environment conditions for storage conditions of cargos through humidity, temperature and specific conditions can be monitored with  IIoT sensors

As a customer, you can also tap-in the benefits of IIoT

• Transparency and integrity control (right products, at the right time, place, quantity, condition and at the right cost) with automatic data exchange.
• Detailed shipment tracking with transparency in real time.
• Monitor the status of assets, parcels, and people in real time throughout the value chain.

Use cases for IIoT in the logistics industry

The use of IIoT applications, like Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), is used in several ports in the United States ensures transparency in logistics and helps in efforts to counter terrorism. The technology provides safe transit of goods to their respective destination. Freight managers are in a position to determine the exact location of items in port using RFID tags. The connection of all devices at the port allows mining and integration of data and clear visibility of all areas of the port. Mined data from port allows the ports to enhance customer relations. The IIoT allows the ports to collect and process data for decision-making and performance optimization. IoT-based technologies, like GPS, track the movement of containers in and outside the port to ensure they are safe. Others, like CCTV, allow a precise and real-time monitoring of port operations, providing visibility and transparency.

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) brings dynamics to manufacturing

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is the application of IoT in the manufacturing industry with focus on the transfer and management of critical data and insights. Industries where IIoT is most predominant; energy, transportation, water and manufacturing with reliable propositions.

IIoT potentials in transforming operations and heading twowards  a connected system :

• Real time visibility into quality and compliance data
• Real time visibility into the status of all processes and manufacturing data
• Automated alerts based on predefined conditions
• Ability to schedule predictive maintenance of assets
• Ability to connect manufacturing data with IoT data

Possibilities offer when implementing IIoT

Digitalisation – Connecting processes, people and systems, to increase integration of technology in the  operational channel leading to higher productivity and less faults. The combination of these factors leads to industrial transformation for an automated and streamline manufacturing process

Flexibility – Irrespective of size manufacturer can install control and manufacturing applications from a centralized platform.

Operational Intelligence – For an optimal view in operations, data can be retrieved from various systems for better decision-making leading to higher operational performance.

Predictive Analytics – Automated business information for improved product quality and predictive asset maintenance before the breakdown occurs.

Scalability – Manufacturers need to understand the value proposition. Strategic IIoT demands that manufacturers take a fresh look at scalable manufacturing and apply it to the production process to optimise the overall cost.

Field Service Management – Ability to locate technicians for tasks as per requirements, such as availability, skills, and location. The technician gets real time detail reports of faults and reaches the factory with appropriate tools and parts.

Smart Building Solutions offer reduced property costs, meaningful data to make business-critical decisions and increased building occupants well being. In all the processes involve in turning a building automated, ICT lies as one of the foundations for connected applications to function in buildings.  Connected building renders asset more reliable and promotes efficiency.  Reducing energy consumption is recognised in modern buildings as a significant design criterion.

About the basic of Smart buildings

Today we talk of smart living organism connected buildings with automated processes instead of the common traditional buildings. Sensors, actuators and microchips are the main principles that manage the functioning of the building through collection of data. In all the processes involve in turning a building smart, ICT lies as one of the basic foundation for automated  applications to function in buildings .  Reducing energy consumption is recognised as a significant design criterion for modern buildings.   The longevity, energy efficiency and comfort the offering of innovative buildings.

ICT solutions implementation for smart buildings

Applying Information Communication Technology (ICT) solutions for control systems and building automation promises efficiency and sustainability. Building control systems enable the integrated interaction of a number of technological elements such as HVAC, lighting, safety equipment etc. Advances in nanotechnologies, sensors, wireless communications and data processing enable embedding of ambient intelligence in building.

The enabling role of ICT in modern buildings:

• Intelligent modules: Modules embedded with electronic chips, as well as the appropriate resources to achieve local computing and interact with the outside, therefore being able to manage appropriate protocols so as to acquire and supply real-time visibility into energy data.
• Efficient communications: Allow sensors, actuators and intelligent units to communicate among them and with services over the network. They have to be based on protocols that are standardised and open.
• Smart BMS/ECMS: Building management systems (BMS) and energy control management systems (ECMS) rely on embedded intelligent modules and efficient communications.
• Multimodal interactive interfaces: The ultimate objective of those interfaces is to make the in-house network as simple to use as possible. These interfaces should also be means to share ambient information spaces or ambient working environments. They should adapt to the available attention of users, avoiding overloading their ‘cognitive bandwidth’ with unnecessary warnings or redundant feedbacks.
• Wired/wireless sensors: Lots of various remote-controlled devices, with the use of such devices (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, audio-video equipments, etc.) being currently investigated in the built environment through preliminary deployment and experimentations.

Turning buildings innovative and enjoy the flexibility features

• With the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) in building systems, through connected temperature control, power management, lighting, and spaces, it allows better smarter performance. Data analytics  enable a continual listening and efficient  management of buildings.

Keeping an eye on carbon footprint, retailers have a part to play, by managing their stores with waste reduction in mind together by an efficient energy management. Carbon footprint in the retail industry relates to energy consumption through heating, lighting, air conditioning, ventilation, cooking (e.g. bakery) and refrigeration. In retail where margins are low and revenues are high Internet of Things (IoT) has the potential to offer “Smart” environments in the retail space as well.

Reducing energy wastage in the retail store is a big step towards a smart environment

Traditional stores and shopping malls face a challenge when it comes to operating sustainably. The sheer size and long opening hours together with large physical footprint, temperature controlled interiors and lighting make energy composition for retails high. From the number of people insides stores to the weather outside there are many variables to be considered and thus apportion energy appropriately is not easy.

By making stores ‘connected’, retailers can more efficiently manage energy and utilities to meet actual demand and avoid unnecessary waste.

IoT is the option for an efficient energy management for retails.

• Connected Sensors:- Creating a connected retail outlet embedded with sensors is the solution that can measure data like occupancy in real-time, and transmits it to an IoT platform. The connection between the platform to operational systems like heating and lighting within the stores make it possible to manage energy efficiently according to actual, not anticipated, need.
• Predictive Maintenance:- IoT predictive maintenance solution can help fix your faulty fridge. This means that a flaw or fault is spotted as soon as it happens – or better yet, when it is about to happen – so that it can be attended to. The IoT platform is notified through sensors that detect flaws in the machinery and automatically trigger a work order for a technician to investigate the issue. No manual investigation is required.
• Data visualisation and dashboards:- The  IoT platform helps in monitoring consumption by sector and across properties, devices and also identify if there is any sudden increase in consumption, catch wastage and improper billing. This helps in making smarter and intelligent energy efficient decisions by monitoring the energy consumption by different devices and appliances in the store and implementing controls in an automated or manual manner.

Intelligent actions for energy efficient retailers can take:-

• Implementing Smart Lighting Technology helps in monitoring and controlling the ambience lighting intensity remotely
• Implementing Motion activated lights with sensors optimises the use of energy by the lighting system depending upon the occupancy in the store.
• Implementing Smart HVAC system for a store helps measure occupancy levels, indoor air quality and humidity to fine-tune its program and control comfort set points, fresh air and energy usage more effectively
• Automatic doors with low power consumption, controlled by store manager, avoid energy loss due to air exchange from outside.
• Control and monitor store refrigeration, digital signage etc. helps energy saving in real time by communicating with these devices through gateways that understand protocols from far off locations.

Today we are living in a world where technology is helping different sectors to be more profitable and efficient, so why not the water infrastructure. Water network is no more the traditional way of only installing pipes that provide water but rather, today we talk about Smart Water Network embedded with Internet of Things sensors. For an efficient water distribution network, smart water infrastructure is the option. It entails a reliable delivery network at a lower cost, benefiting both operators and consumers.

About Smart Water Network

• Integrated set of products
• enable utilities to remotely and continuously monitor
• diagnose problems, prioritise and manage maintenance issues
• use data to optimise all aspects of the water distribution network

The smart water network takes advantage of real-time data, from pumps, tanks, valves and other vital distribution network points, to automate process control and support real-time operations decisions as needed. It operates with an information management system with open channels that also makes operations data available accurately, securely and in a timely manner to business processes across the utility.

IoT device helps to manage and plan the usage of water turning the existing static network of water pipes and pumps into adaptive and connected networks that provide huge benefits towards efficient water management.

Integrating IoT for Smart Water Network

• Smart sensor nodes
• Smart sensor nodes mobile sensing platforms
• Provides information for Improving cost-effectiveness of water treatment processes
• Ensuring safe, secure delivery to end users
• IoT-enabled smart water meters help reducing water loss and support water conservation
• Water leakage detection
• More efficient systemic water management
• Water quality and safety monitoring
• Quality control on water reserves
• Transparency on consumption
• Preventive maintenance on infrastructure

Success Stories

Smart Water in Shenzhen: Shenzhen Water, China Telecom, Ningbo Water Meter, and Huawei jointly launched the world’s first commercial NB-IoT-based Smart Meter Reading project. 50,000 water meters have been deployed as of October 2017, and 500,000 water meters are expected to be deployed by 2020.

Smart Water in Yingtan: By October 2017, Huawei, together with Sanchuan Water Meter, had already released 20,000 NB-IoT smart water meters and achieved an online rate of 99.2%. They are expected to deploy 100,000 water meters in 2018.

Cutting edge technologies to make Grid smarter that render electricity more reliable efficient is the solution to reduce the frequency and duration of power outages, reduce storm impacts, and restore service faster when outages occur. On the consumer side a better self management of energy consumption will be appreciated as data will be available. Modernized grid , including improved security, reduce peak loads, increased integration of renewables and lower operational costs are key points attached to smart grid.

A brief about the facts on smart grid

It is a two way communication technology plus control system and computer processing. Advanced sensors known as phasor management Units (PMUs) allows operators to assess grid stability. A smart meter is a component of smart grid which uses digital technology is the tool that provides information pertaining to outrages .re-route power to outrages. There is also batteries that store excess energy and release the energy is release on to continue the energy afterwards when it is needed to meet the consumer consumption requirement.

Opting for Smart grid for better energy management and much more

• Inaccurate metering will be eliminated as metering data can be accessed remotely and real time charging is also available. Thus electricity suppliers do not need to move to collect data.
•  Reliability — by reducing the cost of interruptions and power quality disturbances and reducing the probability and consequences of widespread blackouts
• Economics — by keeping downward prices on electricity prices, reducing the amount paid by consumers as compared to the “business as usual” (BAU) grid, creating new jobs, and stimulating the gross domestic product (GDP).
• Efficiency — by reducing the cost to produce, deliver, and consume electricity
• Environmental — by reducing emissions when compared to BAU by enabling a larger penetration of renewables and improving efficiency of generation, delivery, and consumption
• Security — by reducing the probability and consequences of manmade attacks and natural disasters
• Safety — by reducing injuries and loss of life from grid-related events

Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that overlays 3D digital content seamlessly onto the real world, using specialized hardware and software.  AR holds merit in the world of construction technology, especially when it comes to educational, architectural, and field engineering processes for both students and professionals alike. Augmented reality consists of a live, imitative version of the real world – with the capacity to add certain elements to the simulated landscape. Digiconsult Under the Anglo African Telecommunications practice ensures technology not only meets the requirements of its users but that it is implemented and managed to realise the promised benefits.

Augmented Reality in the construction space

Augmented Reality works by overlaying stunning virtual data and imagery onto an existing physical space or object. A very basic example lies in professional football. If you ever caught a game on TV and viewed the enhance lines on the field marking the downs, then you have experienced AR. If you take the idea of overlaying graphics on a physical space, and apply them to a construction site, imagine creating an AR experience that renders a completed building (or step-by-step phases of construction) on any screen pointed towards the work zone. The construction industry is already catching on to the uses of AR during the building process.

The construction and architecture industries (among others) could benefit from using AR while designing, presenting or executing a project.

1. Having a real-time visualization of the finished product leads to better team collaboration & communication during the phases of construction.
2. Crews will see increased safety benefits for workers by having visuals for each phase of construction in-hand (or think Google Glass), and not having to look away from the work zone while studying blueprints.
3. Projects with AR visuals are more likely to be completed on-time and within budget because they’re backed by a proven model.

Benefits Of Augmented Reality Technology To The Construction Sector

Augmented reality is not the same as virtual reality. While virtual reality (VR) replaces the real world by creating a simulated environment, augmented reality (AR) can create exact replicas of the real world while also enhancing it. In the construction industry, AR can benefit architects, designing teams, project managers, engineers and owners too. It can allow anyone to walk through the proposed building plan, compare it with the plan and propose changes.
There are many different ways that augmented reality can help builders and owners.

• Easy Plan Modification: Augmented reality allows architecture models to be displayed in a way that you can easily modify the 3D plans with just a few taps. Your building interiors can be changed before construction while keeping the exterior design intact. You can move or remove walls in the design with just a few taps. AR can allow clients to create custom residential and commercial buildings to the tiniest detail.
• Increased Savings:Another benefit of using AR for architectural designing is that it helps save both time and money. Creating architecture plans can be both time intensive and expensive. Augmented reality provides a cost-efficient way to replace your plans with 3D models across all aspects of planning.
• Ability to Visualize Plans: You can visualize the architectural plans with an immersive experience. Replace 2D blueprints for the structure with augmented models and get a more useful and effective way to view the project’s designs.
• More Effective Collaboration: AR helps you to communicate the creativity and ideas in the form of the design. Designing teams and architects have always been looking for creative ways to present their ideas or turn their clients’ ideas into models. Augmented reality is one of the most perfect things to happen to the construction industry as it allows it to effectively showcase to clients what the designers want to portray. The resultant interactive graphic user interface allows both the designers and clients to communicate and collaborate effectively to achieve the desired goals.

Theoretical developments in Building Information Modelling (BIM) suggest that not only is it useful for geometric modelling of a building’s performance but also that it can assist in the management of construction projects. BIM is not a single piece of software or model, but a new form of information processing and collaboration, with data embedded within the model. Each discipline or organisation creates its own model, and these are subsequently amalgamated to provide a combined view of the entire project. Data is added directly to the model, dictating materials, functions, size and associated information. As documentation remains part of the information set, data can be linked to the elements of the model that it pertains to.

The successful implementation of BIM requires two roles to be assigned for the purposes of project management:

• Information manager: responsible for instituting BIM throughout the project and ensuring that all people involved are following the established protocols.
• BIM model manager: ensures all the participants’ models are coherently shared and co-ordinated across the project.

A building information model can be used for the following purposes:

• Visualization 3D renderings can be easily generated in-house with little additional effort.
• Fabrication/shop drawings: it is easy to generate shop drawings for various building systems, for example, the sheet metal ductwork shop drawing can be quickly produced once the model is complete.
• Code reviews: fire departments and other officials may use these models for their review of building projects.
• Forensic analysis: a building information model can easily be adapted to graphically illustrate potential failures, leaks, evacuation plans, etc.
• Facilities management: facilities management departments can use BIM for renovations, space planning, and maintenance operations. Cost estimating: BIM software(s) have built-in cost estimating features. Material quantities are automatically extracted and changed when any changes are made in the model.
• Construction sequencing: a building information model can be effectively used to create material ordering, fabrication, and delivery schedules for all building components.
• Conflict, interference and collision detection: because BIM models are created, to scale, in 3D space, all major systems can be visually checked for interferences. This process can verify that piping does not intersect with steel beams, ducts or walls.

BIM Benefits T

he key benefit of BIM is its accurate geometrical representation of the parts of a building in an integrated data environment (CRC Construction Innovation, 2007). Other related benefits are:

• Faster and more effective processes – information is more easily shared, can be value-added and reused.
• Better design – building proposals can be rigorously analyzed, simulations can be performed quickly and performance benchmarked, enabling improved and innovative solutions.
•  Controlled whole-life costs and environmental data – environmental performance is more predictable, lifecycle costs are better understood.
• Better production quality – documentation output is flexible and exploits automation.
• Automated assembly – digital product data can be exploited in downstream processes and be used for manufacturing/assembling of structural systems.
• Better customer service – proposals are better understood through accurate visualization.
• Lifecycle data – requirements, design, construction and operational information can be used in facilities management.

BIM Around the World

In the United States, BIM is often associated with Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), with a primary motivation to bring project teams together early on. The Canada BIM Council was established in 2008 to standardize the use of models in architecture, engineering, and construction. Public and private governing bodies in Europe have been pushing for more integrated adoption of BIM standards to improve software capabilities and cooperation in the industry. Throughout the world, studies are being conducted about how to improve network users’ authentication choices, geographic mapping systems, and cloud computing security.

In South Africa,  BIM Institute and BIM Academy Africa serve as Africa’s BIM voice in developing standards and education for the built environment. The Institutewhose objective is to improve the construction quality and productivity of the built environment through leadership of information and education. It is impartial and remains software agnostic while supporting and helping to deliver the standards and requirements for Building Information Modelling/Management (BIM) in Africa.